A Backyard Encounter That Gave Me Chills
A few weeks ago, I was pushing my ancient, wheezing lawnmower through the overgrown grass, sweat trickling down my back. Just a typical afternoon chore. Nearby, my golden retriever, Mochi, was living his best life, sprawled out under the shade of the old oak tree without a care in the world.
Then, I felt it—a strange tickle on my ankle.
I figured it was just another mosquito. But when I glanced down, my stomach dropped. Clinging tightly to my skin was a tiny black speck. It didn’t fly off, it didn’t move. It just stuck there, stubborn and eerie. I carefully pried it off.
And there it was: a lone star tick. Small, dark, and unmistakable with that single white dot on its back. My blood ran cold.
Why Ticks Are No Laughing Matter
Normally, I can shrug off most outdoor annoyances. Mosquitoes? A nuisance. Bee stings? Painful, sure, but tolerable. But ticks? That’s where I draw the line.
Because ticks aren’t just creepy—they’re dangerous. And the lone star tick isn’t your average pest. It’s one of the worst.
The Tick That Hunts You
Let’s talk about this nightmare-inducing insect.
Named for the white dot on the back of the female, the lone star tick doesn’t just wait around. Unlike other ticks that lurk passively, this one is a hunter. It actively seeks out a host—whether it’s you, your pet, or anything warm-blooded passing through.
You’re more likely to run into it in tall grass, wooded trails, or even your own backyard if you live in the right conditions. And when it bites, it can transmit serious diseases—even trigger a bizarre red meat allergy in some people.
That’s why spotting just one should set off alarm bells.
Don’t Panic—Act Fast
Finding a tick on your skin can send your brain into overdrive. But trust me—panic is your enemy. What you need is a clear head and quick hands.
Grab a pair of fine-tipped tweezers. Get as close to your skin as possible and pull the tick out slowly and steadily. Don’t twist or yank—this can break the tick apart, leaving pieces behind that may cause infection.
Once it’s out, clean the bite area with rubbing alcohol or good old-fashioned soap and water. And whatever you do, don’t crush the tick—that can expose you to harmful pathogens.
Don’t Throw It Away Just Yet
Your first instinct might be to toss it. Resist.
Instead, place the tick in a sealed container or sandwich it between two pieces of tape. Note the date and the location on your body where you found it. This might seem unnecessary—but it’s critical if symptoms develop later. Your doctor will thank you.
Over the next few weeks, keep an eye out for early warning signs like:
- 🔴 A rash or redness at the bite site
- 🤒 Unexplained fever
- 😴 Fatigue that lingers
- 💪 Muscle or joint pain
If anything feels off, call your doctor immediately. It’s better to overreact than under-treat.
Staying One Step Ahead
Once you’ve dealt with one tick, trust me—you’ll want to avoid a second encounter at all costs. Here’s how to armor up:
- 👖 Wear long sleeves and pants. Tuck your pants into your socks. It’s not a fashion statement—it’s a force field.
- 🧴 Use repellents with DEET, picaridin, or permethrin.
- 🧍♂️ Do a full-body check after spending time outdoors—on yourself, your kids, and your pets.
For your yard:
- ✂️ Keep your grass trimmed short
- 🪵 Clear away brush, tall weeds, and wood piles
- 🚧 Add gravel or wood chips between lawns and wooded areas
- 🧪 Consider a targeted pesticide treatment if ticks are common in your area
My husband and I are tackling our own backyard next week—prevention is the best defense.
Final Thoughts
The first time you spot a lone star tick, it’s unsettling. They’re stealthy, sticky, and loaded with risk. But you’re not powerless.
With the right steps, you can take control:
✅ Remove the tick safely
👀 Monitor your health
🛡️ Protect yourself moving forward
It may not turn you into a nature lover overnight—but it will help you enjoy the outdoors a little more confidently, and a lot more safely.